Reviews | March 2008 | Joey Cape "Bridge"

As some of you might know I reviewed the new Lagwagon record not to long ago and was happy to hear that the band was alive and well. The record was pretty good, but I can't remember listening to it since the review was posted. Today, about two months later, I'm listening to Joey Cape's new solo album called "Bridge" which was released in october by Suburban Home.
My first thought of the record was "Hmm, haven't I heard these tunes somewhere before? That's weird." Well, it didn't take too long before I figured out that some of these songs are also on the above mentioned Lagwagon record. This is quite clear if you only read the press info that comes along with the record, which I never do until it's actually time to sit down and write the review. So I felt kinda stupid, yes. Anyway, the songs that are featured on both records (there's 5 of them) all have one thing in common: they're better on this album. All of them were in fact written by Mr. Cape on his acoustic guitar and these are the songs in their original form, which is why they seem better suited as acoustics, I guess. Songs like "Errands" and "Canoe" have a different feel about them and come alive in a different way since they're played acoustic and therefore more intimate. Those two songs are probably my favorite ones off the album but honestly - there's not a bad song on here! "Bridge" is an excellent debut and I really hope that Cape keeps this stuff coming. This guy's got talent.